fuel
nounSomething you burn to make heat or power for machines and cars.
verbTo give something the energy it needs to work or keep going.
nounSomething that makes a feeling or action stronger or keeps it going.
verbTo make something worse or help it grow bigger.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter F
The letter F makes the /f/ sound, like in 'fish', 'fun', and 'fox'. The upper teeth touch the lower lip.
F is a voiceless labiodental fricative — the upper front teeth rest on the lower lip while air flows through to make the /f/ sound. It is very consistent.
Tip
F is for fish — and fish starts with /f/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: UE Vowel Team (/juː/)
After most other consonants, UE keeps a Y-glide — like 'rescue' and 'value'.
When UE follows a consonant other than L, R, S, or J, it usually says /juː/ — with a Y-glide at the start. Companion rule to vowel_team_ue.
Tip
UE after most consonants — YOO!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter L
The letter L makes the /l/ sound, like in 'lamp', 'leg', and 'lip'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
L is a voiced lateral approximant — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while air flows around the sides. Double L (ll) makes the same /l/ sound.
Tip
L is for lamp — light it up with /l/!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.